SUPPORT FOR EXISTING SYSTEMS

How to decide whether to keep or replace your custom software

When your business relies on a custom software application that’s beginning to show its age, and the people who wrote the application are no longer available to update it, what do you do?

If you don’t have the complete source code for your custom application, your only solution may be to replace it.

If you have the system source code, you have two choices:
  • Replace your current system with a completely new application (custom or off-the-shelf).
  • Find another company with the skills to enhance your existing system.

Answering Yes or No to the following questions can help you decide which option to choose.

  1. Does your system collect the right data?
  2. Does the application present information to you in a way that meets at least 80% of your business needs?
  3. Does your system reliably and consistently save your data?  (you’re not losing data)
  4. Is your system accessible from every location from which you want to use it?
  5. If you need to consolidate your data with information outside the application, can you do it easily?
  1. Is the software that was used to write your system (e.g., Microsoft C#, Java, JavaScript, PHP, etc.) still supported?
  2. Does the information you use to make business decisions come primarily from your system? (It doesn’t come out of spreadsheets or small, departmental systems.)
  3. Can you add new products, services, or other key information without calling a programmer?
  4. Does your system run on the most current server software and/or cloud hosting solution?

If you answered NO to questions 3, 6, or 9, look for a new solution.  If your system is losing data, it’s not going to suddenly fix itself, and the cumulative effect will only get worse.  If your application is written with out-of-date tools or won’t run on the most current servers, you may be at risk for security breaches.

If you answered YES to questions 3, 6, and 9 and at least two more questions, you may be able to retain and enhance your existing system.

Deciding whether to create a new software application or to continue to maintain a legacy system is not an easy one. It may feel like you’re abandoning something into which you’ve invested lots of time and money, but ultimately your decision has to be made based on facts, with a focus on your long-term goals for your business.

CUSTOM SOFTWARE
ISN'T FOR EVERYBODY

Contact us to talk to a real person about
whether it’s right for you

PHONE: 321-631-0657

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